<p>The University of Delhi Executive Council has approved two major academic reforms, the introduction of a Semester Away Programme for undergraduate students and direct admission to PhD programmes for students completing four-year undergraduate degrees. The decisions were taken during a meeting chaired by Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh, despite objections from elected council members.</p>

<h2><b>Direct PhD Admission Criteria</b></h2>

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p><b>Requirement</b></p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p><b>Details</b></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p>Degree</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p>4-year Undergraduate Programme</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p>Minimum CGPA</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p>7.5</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p>Research Requirement</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p>At least 1 Scopus-indexed publication</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p>Entrance Process</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p>No mandatory entrance test or interview specified</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<h3><b>Key Decisions</b></h3>

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">Introduction of Semester Away Programme in collaboration with foreign universities</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Approval of direct PhD admission after a four-year undergraduate degree</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Launch of one-year postgraduate courses at the School of Open Learning</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Approval of annual accounts (2025&ndash;26) and staff-related policy updates</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Introduction of a ₹20 lakh group insurance scheme for employees</li>
</ul>

<h2><b>Semester Away Programme (SAP) Overview</b></h2>

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p><b>Feature</b></p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p><b>Details</b></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p>Programme Type</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p>Study abroad (1 semester)</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p>Eligibility</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p>Undergraduate students</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p>Partner Institutions</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p>Foreign universities</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p>Costs</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p>Students pay both DU fees + host institution fees</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p>Financial Aid</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p>Scholarships, grants, and need-based support&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<h3><b>Concerns Raised by Council Members</b></h3>

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">Lack of entrance exam/interview for PhD admissions</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Questions over academic preparedness of undergraduate students for research</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Risk of diluting postgraduate programme value</li>
	<li aria-level="1">SAP may increase financial burden due to additional foreign university fees</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Programme could favor financially stronger students, raising equity concerns</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Lack of clarity on proposal changes and implementation details</li>
</ul>

<p><b>Follow College Vidya News for the latest education news on entrance exams, government recruitments, admissions, admit cards, answer keys, results, notifications, and more.</b></p>

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Delhi University approves direct PhD entry for 4-year UG graduates with 7.5 CGPA and one Scopus publication, alongside a new Semester Away Programme.

Delhi University approves direct PhD entry and Semester Away Programme for UG students.

Delhi University Approves Semester Away Programme, Direct PhD Entry Amid Concerns

<p>The registration for SAT 2026-27 has been finally opened by the College Board from August 2026 to June 2027. So, the students across India and South Asia who have been planning for undergraduate admissions can now register for the upcoming test dates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first SAT exam of this cycle will be conducted on August 22, 2026. Candidates must complete their registration by August 7, 2026, while the deadline for late registration or making changes is August 11, 2026.</p>

<h2><b>SAT Exam Dates</b></h2>

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p><b>Test Date</b></p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p><b>Exam Month</b></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p>August 22, 2026</p>
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			<td>
			<p>October 3, 2026</p>
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			<p>October 2026</p>
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			<td>
			<p>November 7, 2026</p>
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			<td>
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			<td>
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			<p>December 2026</p>
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			<p>March 6, 2027</p>
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			<p>March 2027</p>
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			<p>May 1, 2027</p>
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			<p>May 2027</p>
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			<p>June 5, 2027</p>
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			<p>June 2027</p>
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<h2><b>About the SAT Exam</b></h2>

<p>The SAT is a standardized test widely used by universities worldwide for undergraduate admissions. It is accepted by over 4,000 colleges and institutions, especially in countries like the United States and Canada.</p>

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	<li aria-level="1">The exam is conducted entirely in digital format</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Students must take the test using the Bluebook application</li>
	<li aria-level="1">A compatible device is required on exam day</li>
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<h2><b>Device Support for Students</b></h2>

<p>Candidates who do not have access to a suitable device can apply for assistance through the College Board Device Lending Program.</p>

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">Requests must be submitted at least 30 days before the test date</li>
	<li aria-level="1">This initiative ensures fair access to all eligible students</li>
</ul>

<h2><b>Why SAT Still Matters</b></h2>

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">Plays a key role in undergraduate admissions abroad</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Helps universities assess academic readiness</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Supports applications for scholarships and financial aid</li>
</ul>

<p><b>Follow College Vidya News for the latest education news on entrance exams, government recruitments, admissions, admit cards, answer keys, results, notifications, and more.</b></p>

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Delhi University Approves Semester Away Programme, Direct PhD Entry Amid Concerns

College Board Opens SAT 2026–27 Registration Open